Reports indicate that Israel managed to endure an air strike by Iran with minimal damage on Saturday night and on Sunday morning. As cited by The New York Times, two Israeli representatives disclosed that a total count of 185 drones, 36 cruise missiles, and 110 surface-to-surface missiles were launched by Iran. While the majority of these launches happened in Iran, a few originated from Iraq and Yemen as well.
The Israeli defence forces confirmed minor damage to the infrastructure of the southern Nevatim airbase. Additionally, a girl suffered injuries from shrapnel. Apart from disruptions to everyday life, such as implementing air raid procedures and airport closure, there wasn’t much collateral damage.
There were several factors contributing to how Israel managed to handle the assault. First was their advanced knowledge of the attack. Israel’s military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, informed the world about the drone attack on the country, stating it was in progress and that it would take several hours to reach Israel.
Given that Iran does not share a border with Israel, anything launched from the Iranian territory would have to travel a minimum of 500 km through the airspace of at least two other countries. Potential routes could include via Iraq and Jordan, Iraq and Syria, or Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, – taking into account Saudi Arabia’s known aversion to Iran and its allies.
The subsequent missile deployment began after the drones were already on route. The majority of these were Shahed drones, made in Iran, and despite being inexpensive and noisy they are still tactically beneficial for Iranian allies involved in asymmetric warfare. Maturing around $20,000 each, they’ve been widely used in recent times, largely by Russian forces in Ukraine, and Yemen’s Houthis in attacks on shipping and Saudi Arabia. However, their effectiveness is somewhat curtailed in attacks on technologically superior states that have ample warning time.
In November, a staggering 75 attacks were aimed at Kyiv, of which 71 were successfully neutralised, according to Ukrainian representatives. The air defense mechanisms of Israel are superior, more well-stocked, and densely allocated within its smaller territory, compared to Ukraine. Consequently, they are well-armed to confront the majority of drone attacks.
Nevertheless, Israel also had to confront its fair share of challenges, with Iran launching both ballistic and cruise missiles of a more limited number.
Robust defense
The Iron Dome is Israel’s main air defense system, which became fully operational in 2011. Its main task, however, is to counter small-scale rocket fires, such as those launched by Hamas militants in Gaza or Hizbullah in southern Lebanon. On Saturday night, it was not the fundamental form of defense.
Long-range missile defense systems utilised included:
– The Arrow: An innovation in collaboration with the US, it is designed to thwart long-range missiles, like the ballistic ones Iran claimed to have launched on Saturday. The Arrow has been employed in the current warfare to neutralise long-range missiles launched by Yemen-based Houthi militants.
– David’s Sling: Also a joint creation with the US, David’s Sling is devised for neutralising medium-range missiles, similar to those owned by Hizbullah in Lebanon.
– Patriot: A product of the US, this system is the eldest component of Israel’s missile-defense system and was employed during the First Gulf War in 1991 to intercept Scud missiles launched by Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi leader back then. Currently, it is utilised to neutralise aircraft, including drones.
Israel had also readied its fighter jets, capable of neutralising airborne missiles prior to the attack.
Foreign intervention
The gap between Iran and Israel also made it feasible to intercept missiles by air defense systems and air forces functioning within the states sharing borders with the two nations.
On Saturday night, the counter-terrorism air mission at the Syrian-Iraqi border was overseen by the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force instead of the US, thereby allowing the latter to focus on intercepting missiles in the region. The UK also committed to neutralising missiles within its designated mission areas.
The US military was successful in neutralising several Iranian missiles headed for Israel, in addition to knocking down drones, as reported by the Reuters news agency quoting three US officials. Two officials, preferring anonymity, shared that some of these missiles were intercepted by the US navy.
The lead military spokesperson for Israel revealed on Sunday that France was among the nations assisting in Israel’s defence against an overnight assault by Iran. He noted France’s substantial capability in technology, jets, and radar, mentioning their valuable contribution to air patrol, though specifics about whether any Iranian missiles were intercepted by French jets were not known to him.
In related news, Reuters reported that Jordan, a compact Arab nation that forms a large part of Israel’s eastern boundary, utilised its air force to neutralise numerous drones. Despite Iran’s warnings of potential repercussions should Jordan meddle in the barrage, the Arab kingdom held its ground. Further reporting was provided by AP and The Guardian.